INSTITUTE for PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
INSTITUT DE DIPLOMATIE PUBLIQUE | INSTITUTO DE DIPLOMACIA PUBLICA | सार्वजनिक कूटनीति संस्थान | 公共外交研究所 | معهد الدبلوماسية العامة
Strengthening the diplomatic power of civil society actors and academia.
City diplomacy
Local Voices, Global Impact
Breaking News:
City diplomacy is a diplomatic activity of cities, local institutions and societies on the international stage, which is changing current diplomatic processes. It encompasses the international relations of local governments and nonstate actors as actors in the global context, aimed at facing global challenges, and promoting their economic, political, technological, cultural and infrastructural positions. City diplomacy undoubtedly steps up to the forefront of international affairs across a multitude of UN frameworks and programs along with a growing cast of local governments. Yet this momentum needs an even stronger diplomatic scaffolding to be maintained, and we need greater focus on building skills at the municipal level to strengthen the diplomatic prowess of local officers, civil society representatives still lacking direct expertise in multilateral affairs and multi-stakeholder engagement. Efforts to do so, like those of the Institute for public diplomacy, is an example of these gap–filling initiatives.
Report from EU: City Expo World Congress 2026
Several members of the Institute for Public Diplomacy attended the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026, held on 3–5 November.
Recognized as one of the world's leading international events on urban innovation, the Congress brought together representatives of governments, municipalities, international organizations, academia, businesses, technology innovators and other stakeholders to explore the future of cities.The Institute views smart-city development not simply as a technological challenge, but as a question of governance, representation and social inclusion. Urban transformation must be technologically advanced while remaining participatory, accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center
O. Weretelnik. PHD, Director of the Institute for Public Diplomacy met with a delegation from the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, one of four finalists for the Governance and Economy Award at the World Smart City Awards 2026, recognised for its Integrated Infrastructure Coordination Plan.
Smart City Expo World Congress 2026- Chinese National Pavilion
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is a national organisation promoting international trade and economic cooperation.
Blue Economy Stage: Connecting Cities, Oceans and UN SDGs
The Institute for Public Diplomacy followed the Blue Economy discussions. The Blue Economy represents an important dimension of City Diplomacy, and Water Diplomacy, particularly for coastal cities whose economic prosperity, environmental security and social well-being are closely connected to the health of the oceans.
China Opportunity Hub (机遇中国)
A China Opportunity Hub served as a platform for presenting Chinese urban technologies and connecting Chinese companies with international visitors and potential partners. China's participation illustrates how national governments increasingly use international exhibitions as instruments of Economic Diplomacy and Technology Diplomacy.
Let’s Work Together
City diplomacy is a powerful means of advancing local priorities, yet it remains a relatively niche practice. Unlocking its full potential calls for sustained collaboration between civil society, scholars and public diplomacy practitioners to deepen understanding, strengthen capacity, and broaden its global reach.